SSL vs TLS: Key Differences Explained

This article compares SSL and TLS, highlighting their key differences in a table format.

Introduction

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are cryptographic protocols designed to ensure secure communication over the internet. They establish an encrypted connection between a client and a server, guaranteeing the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the data transmitted.

SSL was originally developed by Netscape Communications in the 1990s as a security protocol for web communications. It provided a secure channel for data exchange, primarily in the form of HTTPS (HTTP over SSL) connections. However, due to security vulnerabilities, SSL is no longer recommended for use.

TLS was introduced as an upgraded version of SSL and is currently the prevailing security protocol. TLS operates similarly to SSL but boasts enhanced security features and improvements. It’s widely used for secure communication across various internet applications and protocols, including HTTPS, SMTP, FTP, and more.

Difference between SSL and TLS

The following table outlines the differences between SSL and TLS based on various parameters:

Conclusion

SSL is an older technology that applications or browsers used to create secure communication channels over a network. TLS is the upgraded version of SSL, designed to fix existing SSL vulnerabilities. TLS employs newer and more secure cryptographic algorithms, making it the preferred choice for modern secure communication.